Together in the Lorongs

Community support in every Lorong

‘Together in the Lorongs’ is a series featuring heartwarming community initiatives available across the island to support Singaporeans in need!

Be it food options, health screenings or affordable clothes and accessories, the Lorongs have you covered. Check out the programmes below for more!

Central

Equal Start Programme for Children

“Everybody should be given the opportunity to explore as much as we can, as much as they can.”

What: Free enrichment courses for students (aged 4 - 20) from low-income families, to ensure their talents are discovered and nurtured regardless of their financial status. Courses include: Taekwondo, Ballet, Weiqi, Xiangqi, Martial arts and more. Applicants must have a Blue CHAS Card.

Where: Bishan Community Club, 51 Bishan St 13, S579799

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Bishan Community Club at 6259 4720 or sign up here

Kampung Bishan’s “Bread Run”

"Save some bread, save the world — and serve up some smiles at the same time!"

What: Surplus bread from businesses are collected by volunteers and given to residents in Bishan at 3 collection points. 

Where:

Residents’ Corner, Blk 145 Bishan Street 11: Every Monday & Wednesday | 10:30PM

Bishan East Zone 1 RN, Blk 112 Bishan Street 12: Every Tuesday | 10:30PM

Bishan East Zone 4 RN, Blk 170 Bishan Street 13: Every Thursday | 10:30PM

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Kampung Bishan's Facebook.

It's On Me!

Diners can treat the less fortunate to a meal or drink by paying a little extra when buying their own meals.

What: A programme where patrons can pay a little extra to treat someone in need. Each gifted meal or drink will be represented by a magnet on a board. No criteria needed—just inform the hawker and take a magnet to redeem your meal or drink.

Where: Redhill Food Centre, 85 Redhill Ln, S150085 and Telok Blangah Food Centre, 79 Telok Blangah Dr, S100079

Thryft Hub (Lower Delta)

"We make pre-loved items like books, clothes and more, available at pocket-friendly prices."

What: Started in 2019, Thryft helps to make secondhand shopping more accessible and convenient for everyone. They carry a range of items including clothes, books, vinyl records and console gamesCustomers can choose to trade-in their pre-loved items which will be converted into credits that can be used at their store and online platform.

Where: 120 Lower Delta Road, #01-15, Singapore 169208. Opens daily from 1pm – 6pm, except for Public Holidays & Public Holiday Eves.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Thryft Hub.

Community Repair Workshop (Ang Mo Kio)

"We started this initiative to help residents with simple repair works and also provide an avenue for seniors to be active and bond with the community."

What: Ever wondered what to do with faulty household appliances? In the heart of Ang Mo Kio, cherished household items are given a new lease of life at the Community Repair Workshop. The choice to repair can help residents save on the cost of replacement. Residents can learn basic repair and troubleshooting skills to recycle and prolong the lifespan of their household appliances. They can also donate faulty appliances or items that are no longer in use at the Free Market. These items will be repaired and anyone in need can pick them up for free.

Where: Void Deck, Blk 106 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4

When: Every 2nd Saturday of the month

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Kebun Baru CC or reach them at 6457 7379.

Care Cut (Jalan Kayu)

"We help the elderly and wheelchair-bound save on their monthly expenses with free haircuts."

What: At Jalan Kayu, haircut services are right at residents’ doorsteps! Volunteers give low-income seniors aged 50 and above a fresh look with a free haircut. Seniors in the Hougang and Buangkok districts can walk in or book a “Care Cut” appointment with the Resident Network (RN) Centre.

Where and When:

Residents in the area are encouraged to check the notice boards at their HDB void decks for more details.

Food Rescue Sengkang (Fernvale and various satellite locations across Singapore)

"Anybody from all walks of life is welcome to rescue from us. We hope to help them reduce their monthly expenses and groceries bills."

What: Collecting around 15,000 to 50,000kg of unsold food from wholesalers and donors weekly, Food Rescue Sengkang redistributes them to communities in need across Singapore. Residents can collect food items ranging from fresh vegetables and fruits, to bread at Thanggam Hub every Saturday. They also have various satellite points islandwide, such as Sembawang West, Ang Mo Kio, Serangoon North, Marymount, Tampines, Yuhua etc. This helps the communities with their grocery needs and at the same time reduces food wastage.

Where and When: Food Rescue Sengkang Headquarters, Thanggam Hub, 40 Fernvale Road, every Saturday

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Food Rescue Sengkang or reach them at 8900 7065.

Love Connect Market (Jalan Besar)

"We want to encourage healthy living for our residents and provide fresh food for those in need every week."

What: Love Connect Market provides Kampong Glam residents with fresh food such as vegetables, fruits and eggs every Saturday, in hopes of alleviating cost of living pressures for the lower-income families and encouraging them to eat healthily. In addition to food products, residents can also find clothes and kids-related items at the Market.

Where and When: Love Connect Market, Jalan Besar Community Centre, 69 Jellicoe Road, every Saturday

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Jalan Besar CC or reach them at 6298 6110.

North-East

Project Refresh

“Interacting with seniors helps us understand their needs. When they appreciate our help, it makes us want to do more.” 

What: Since 2016, Project Refresh has been transforming homes of vulnerable residents in the North East District through refurbishment works. The volunteers help with improvements like painting and decluttering, while their corporate partners provide household appliances, furniture, and daily necessities. This community initiative brings together corporate sponsors, volunteer groups, and residents to create better living environments for those who need it most

Eligible seniors and families in the North East District.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from North East CDC at 6424 4000 or via email.

Share Shells Sharing Point

“By encouraging a spirit of sharing in our community, we create connections that make a real difference.” 

What: The sharing point at Serangoon Garden lets visitors take what they need and give what they don’t need, subject to the guidelines at the sharing point. 

Where:

SHELL Serangoon Garden, 49 Serangoon Garden Way, S555944

SHELL Upper Thomson, 551 Upper Thomson Road, S574415

Get in Touch! Find out more details from ShareShells.

Tampines Central CARES Shopping Programme

“Each session brings more than essentials - it’s about connecting with residents through care and making a difference together.”

What: The CARES Shopping Programme, launched in 2019, provides assistance to low-income families by covering the cost of groceries and daily necessities up to $100. The programme served over 60 residents in the past year. Eligible families are invited to a shopping session at NTUC FairPrice supermarket, where volunteers guide them in budget planning and introduce them to value-for-money house brand products.

Where and When: NTUC Fairprice outlets at Tampines 

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Tampines Central CC at 6785 0004 or via email.

Joy Box (Tampines)

"We share in their joy as recipients unpack the surprises lovingly prepared in their Joy Boxes."

What: Joy Box started since 2020 to spread joy to residents in need during the season of giving. It seeks to bring together the community to build personalised gift boxes for the beneficiaries. To date, they have delivered over 7,000 joy boxes which include items such as essential products and craft kits and stationery for children.

Where and When: Tampines Changkat CC, 13 Tampines Street 11 S529453, during festive periods

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Tampines Changkat CC at 6781 1806 or via email.

Budget Meals Programme (Punggol Shore)

"We wanted to offer residents a choice of cheaper food."

What: Every Punggol Shore food court and kopitiam offers at least one budget meal option priced at about $3.50. To provide residents with more affordable choices, some stall owners have even created a special budget food menu to complement their everyday sets! One can expect a wide range of cuisines and food types such as rice, noodles and snacks. Participating stalls also accept Punggol Shore WeCare vouchers.

Where and When: Food courts and kopitiams at Punggol Shore, Punggol Plaza’s Koufu included.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Punggol 21 CC or via email.

North-West

Project Hope Free Market

“Grab anything you need for free at this flea market!”

What: The free market is open to the public and offers a variety of goods, including clothes, toys, and books, all available at no cost.

Items that are good, clean and functional are also welcome for donation at the market.

Where: Nee Soon East Seniors’ Hub, 293 Yishun Ring Rd, S760293

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Nee Soon East CC at 6257 0446 or via email.

Young Hearts Programme by Singapore Red Cross

"From books to beyond: supporting every child’s journey with tutoring and enriching programmes"

What: The Young Hearts Programme provides free tuition for primary and secondary school children from less privileged backgrounds. Students under this programme can also enjoy enrichment activities in areas like sports, wellness, digital skills and science, and get to go on outings around Singapore. 

The programme currently operates on a referral basis. 

Where: Nee Soon East Care Corner, 269B Yishun Street 22, S762269

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Red Cross Young Hearts at 6664 0500 or via email.

Pro Bono SG Community Legal Clinic 

“Access to justice is a right. It’s like seeing a doctor - you shouldn't be turned away just because you don't have money.”

What: Pro Bono SG offers free legal services to the community through legal guidance, awareness and representation. If one needs legal help for a personal issue or requires a lawyer for your case, but cannot afford one, Pro Bono SG is here to help.

There are also volunteering opportunities, with many of these roles not requiring a legal background to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Where: Community Law Centres (Walk-ins available):

• Community Law Centre @ Realm of Tranquility, Blk 547, Woodlands Drive 16, #01-177, S730547

• Community Law Centre @ Tian De Temple, 109 Hougang Ave 5, S538817

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Pro Bono SG at 6536 0650 or via email.

Bukit Panjang $1 Deals (Bukit Panjang)

"The most satisfying moment is to see the joy and the relief on the faces of our residents when they collect their packages."

What: To support residents with cost of living, Bukit Panjang $1 Deals offers various monthly dollar deals, ranging from biscuits and coffee to bento meals, for residents in the area. Residents can also look forward to collaborations with restaurants and merchants, as well as festive packages during special occasions.

Where: Bukit Panjang CC and various Bukit Panjang RCs

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Bukit Panjang CC at 6506 0900 or via email.

Nee Soon Cares Vouchers and Budget Meals (Nee Soon)

"These vouchers allow us to buy food and groceries, and we can use them to offset our daily expenses."

What: Similar to CDC vouchers, Nee Soon residents can register and redeem a one-off $40 Nee Soon Cares voucher and use them at selected market and food stalls in the area. This programme will benefit around 72,000 Nee Soon households. In addition, various food stalls at Nee Soon also provide budget meals under $3.50, providing residents with more affordable meal choices.

Where: Selected market and food stalls at Nee Soon

Get in Touch! Find out more details from the various Community Clubs in Nee Soon. Look for the CC closest to you.

Belanja-a-meal (Sembawang West)

"The program was designed to allow anyone to purchase meals in advance for someone who may not be able to afford one."

What: In bustling Sembawang West, ground-up community initiative Belanja-a-meal keeps an eye out for the hungry in immediate need of a meal. As the name implies, residents may make a small donation to ‘belanja’ (sponsor) a meal for anyone in need. If you are in need, simply walk up to any hawker stall with a Belanja-a-meal placard to ask for a sponsored meal. Donations may be made at Give Asia or at supported hawker center stalls. 

Where: All coffeeshops in Sembawang West.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Woodlands Galaxy CC at 6366 2218 or via email.

South-East

Q&M Free Dental Clinic (Kampong-Chai Chee)

“Q&M aspires to contribute to a healthier and more equitable society by making dental care accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy healthy smiles!”

What: Q&M’s Free Dental Clinic brings free dental care to residents in the Chai Chee heartlands. Interested Kembangan-Chai Chee residents must either be a Blue CHAS card holder or reside in a rental block to be eligible. Dental services provided include scaling and polishing, extractions and fillings.

Interested applicants may visit or call Kampong Kembangan CC at 64496022 or Kampong Ubi CC at 67459919 to book an appointment. You can also contribute by donating to the clinic.

Where: Blk 26 Chai Chee Road, #01-407, S460026

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Kembangan Chai Chee CC or Q&M Free Dental Clinic.

Neighbourhood Food Share @ Telok Kurau Park (Joo Chiat)

“Neighbourhood Food Share brings rescued fresh produce to Telok Kurau and many other communities across Singapore, reducing food waste in the process!”

What: Neighbourhood Food Share is a partnership between FairPrice Group and People’s Association, bringing nutritious food to communities across Singapore while reducing food waste. Together with FairPrice Group, Telok Kurau Central Residents’ Network organises monthly food rescues at Telok Kurau Park. Residents can register on-site and redeem fresh fruits and vegetables. Do reach out to Siglap South CC if you’re keen to volunteer.

Living in another part of Singapore? You can find a Neighbourhood Food Share near you too. 

Where: Our Residents’ Hub, 151 Lorong J Telok Kurau, S423466

When: Every last Sunday of the month, from 6pm to 7pm.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Telok Kurau Central RN or Joo Chiat CC at 6344 1926.

The Hut - Children & Youth Centre (Marine Parade)

“A community for children to feel safe and supported. The Hut organises programmes where children and youth can grow and thrive as individuals.”

What: With its roots in Marine Parade since 2016, The Hut works closely with South East CDC and other community partners to nurture and uplift children and youth from vulnerable backgrounds. The Hut runs educational and developmental programmes, offering a space for children to flourish and explore their talents and interests, be it in arts & crafts or sports. You too can lend your support by volunteering or donating!

Where: 35 Marine Cres, #01-63/65, S440035

Get in touch! Find out more details from The Hut or reach out to them at 6957 1297.

Loaves of Love Bread (Kampong Ubi and Kampong-Chai Chee)

"It’s nice to see that we are reaching out to the needy families in Chai Chee. They also appreciate us spending time to give the bread to them."

What: Started in 2012, this initiative collects unsold bread from bakeries and hotels to distribute them to Chai Chee residents in need.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Kampong Kembangan CC at 6449 6022 or Kampong Ubi CC at 6745 9919.

Good Lobangs @ Kampong Chai Chee

"We started the Good Lobangs @ Kampong Chai Chee initiative after receiving feedback from our residents, and we hope to help them alleviate the cost of living."

What: Providing special eatery discounts for residents with Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cards, Good Lobangs @ Kampong Chai Chee hopes to help alleviate pressures of costs of living for their residents. The programme aims to benefit around 5,000 Kampong Chai Chee residents who own CHAS cards. More partnerships with coffeeshops around the estate are currently being explored.

To be part of the initiative, Kampong Chai Chee residents can approach the Community Club counter for verification and receive a sticker for their CHAS card. Look out for monthly deals on the Telegram group chat too!

Where: Discounts can be found at:

• One Two Eat Food Court (CHAS Green, Orange, Blue cards, Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cards)

• Sushi Express (CHAS Blue card)

• Buddy Hoagies (CHAS Blue card)

• Al Mubin Foodcourt (CHAS Blue card)

• De Tian Coffeeshop (Bedok North outlet)

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Kampong Chai Chee CC at 6241 9878

Alami Clinic (Changi)

"Our goal with Alami Clinic is to be the “one-stop shop” for this community. To us, you are far more than just a number."

What: Alami Clinic aims to provide coordinated care for seniors with complex medical issues. They also link patients with other forms of community resources and conduct free health screenings in the community for conditions such as dementia and osteoporosis for seniors.

Where: 398 Changi Road, The Lenox, #01-02, S419845

When: Mon-Fri from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Get in Touch! Seniors or caregivers can email ask@alamiclinic.com, call 6993 8100 or WhatsApp 8875 0634 for more information.

South-West

Value Meals @ South West

“Affordable and accessible meals for residents right at your fingertips”

What: The Value Meals @ South West initiative is a partnership between South West Community Development Council and Select Group to provide vending machines across the South West District for residents to purchase ready-to-eat meals for $3 or less. Selected beneficiaries will be given credits to purchase the meals at the Value Meals vending machines. The public may also buy items from the machines. The menu is rotated regularly, providing diverse options such as ready-to-eat rice and noodle dishes, including Halal options, sandwiches and local favourites. 

Where: Vending machines are available 24/7 and located at various locations within the South West District. Check out our Google Map for the pinned locations.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from South West CDC.

JYC @ Children’s Society (Jurong West)

“A place for youths to drop-in after school”

Photo Credit: Singapore Children’s Society

What: Through outreach, intentional engagement, casework and counselling, the JYC @ Children’s Society drop-in service promotes positive development in children and youth.

Where:

DEN @ JYC (For children aged 9 to 12)

Blk 554 Jurong West Street 42, #01-349 Singapore 640554

Drop-in Hours: Mon & Thurs, 2pm - 5pm

GIG @ JYC (For youth aged 13 to 18)

Blk 552 Jurong West Street 42, #01-321 Singapore 640552

Drop-in Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2pm - 5:30pm

Get in touch!

Tel: 6566 6989 | 8200 9451 (WhatsApp only)

Socials: Instagram

Loving Heart’s Free Tuition Programme (Jurong East)

“Free tuition for primary and secondary school students, focusing on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science”

Loving Heart’s Free Tuition Programme is dedicated to supporting children from underserved backgrounds in achieving academic success and pursuing further education. Since its inception, the programme has benefited numerous students from Primary 1 to Secondary 4, providing them with the guidance they need to excel.

In 2024, the programme transitioned to a class-based tuition model, where professional tutors lead lessons with the support of dedicated volunteer study buddies. To ensure personalized attention, classes maintain a 1:5 tutor-to-student ratio. Math classes are held every Friday (7:00pm to 8:30pm) and science classes are held every Saturday (9am to 10.30am).

The programme currently serves students across Jurong Central SMC and the neighbouring estates.

Eligibility Criteria

• Singapore Citizens and/or Permanent Residents (PR). At least one member of the family has to be a Singapore citizen.

• Residing within Jurong Central SMC and neighbouring estates

• Monthly household income between $3000 to $4200 or Per Capita Income between $800 to $1000^.

​To apply, please use this link to sign up. 

^Application and type of assistance will be assessed and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Get in touch! Find out more details at the Loving Heart’s Jurong website. 

Islandwide

The Barn (Various locations at Ang Mo Kio, Jurong and Katong)

"We make donated items like clothes and household appliances available at pocket-friendly prices."

What: Go treasure hunting for pre-loved goods, such as clothes, accessories and collectibles, at volunteer-run thrift store - The Barn, a thrift shop run by social service agency Cornerstone Community Services. For the budget-conscious among us, great news - it sells pre-loved items at pocket-friendly prices. For hobbyist collectors, a selection of toy figurines, stamps and unique souvenir items are available in-store. And for the fashionistas, rare brands which can only be sourced abroad are in stock.

Where and When:

Get in Touch! Find out more details from The Barn via WhatsApp at 9679 7379 (The Barn @ Katong & The Barn @ AMK) and 8811 9362 (The Barn @ Jurong).

Hao Ren Hao Shi Mobile Groceries (Various locations at Toa Payoh, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Batok and Bukit Merah)

"Our initiative allows residents to choose what they want and need, and we are very happy to be able to serve many areas in Singapore."

What: Helping 1,800 beneficiaries monthly, Hao Ren Hao Shi Mobile Groceries allows lower-income residents to choose food and essential household items directly from a truck right at their neighbourhoods. They serve residents in locations across Singapore such as Bukit Panjang, Jurong West, Toa Payoh, Jalan Bukit Merah, Aljunied, and Punggol etc.

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Hao Ren Hao Shi or your nearest RC or RN.

Community Shop by Food from the Heart (Various locations at Boon Lay, Lengkok Bahru, Mountbatten, Punggol)

"Residents are very happy and thankful to be able to select food items of their choice. It also gives them a chance to socialise with neighbours and our volunteers."

What: Serving around 59,000 beneficiaries from low-income families, Food from the Heart, is a non-profit food bank and it operates various Community Shops, which is a mini-mart allowing eligible residents to shop for free. Instead of being handed a food pack with items that they may not need, eligible residents get to pick up 12 – 14 food items of their choice, including local fresh produce and non-perishables. This helps them with their food needs and at the same time, reduces food wastage.

Where and when:

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Food from the Heart or from the Community Clubs in the above areas.

Community Health Posts (Various locations across Singapore)

"We aim to motivate and empower residents to understand their health, and to make positive behavioural changes to their health."

What: There are more than 80 Community Health Posts (CHPs) in Central and North Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group (NHG). They provide convenient access for the residents to seek health information and understand their conditions. The Community Health Posts also conduct health talks and workshop for residents to better take charge of their health.

Health screenings are free for seniors with Pioneer Generation card; $2 for seniors with Merdeka Generation card, CHAS Blue or Orange cards; and $5 for those with CHAS Green card.

Where: Check out the various locations of the CHPs islandwide:

• CHPs under NHG in Central and North of Singapore

• CHPs under National University Health System in West of Singapore

• CHPs under SingHealth in East, Southeast and Northeast of Singapore

Get in Touch! Find out more details from the various CHP providers’ websites above.

Public Free Clinic Society (Various locations at Geylang, Bedok, Clementi, Jurong, Tampines)

"When it comes to our patients’ health, we want to build a relationship with them and ensure that they trust what we are doing is good for them."

What: Public Free Clinic Society (PFCS) provides affordable medical consultations and services to seniors across Singapore. On top of operating at five outlets, they also provide services at community touchpoints including senior activity centres, nursing homes and family service centres. Patients only need to pay a registration fee of $2 and medication is charged on a per dosage basis. Procedures such as acupuncture, cupping, scraping, are also priced affordably at $3+. Residents with CHAS Blue cards can also enjoy an additional 30% discount.

Where and When:

Get in Touch! Find out more details from Public Free Clinic Society or call them at 6842 5470.